[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E807-E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ELLIE RICKER TO THE SCOTTSDALE SISTER 
                           CITIES ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ellie Ricker for 
the many significant contributions she has made to the Scottsdale 
Sister Cities Association. She has spent the last 30 years of her life 
working with Scottsdale's sister cities of Alamos, Mexico; Cairns, 
Australia; Kingston, Canada; and Interlaken, Switzerland.
  Ellie, who is now retiring, was recently honored by Scottsdale Sister 
Cities for her three decades of loyal, dedicated work for the 
association and the people who benefit from their labor. She has served 
as secretary and representative to Cairns and chair of the Alamos and 
Kingston home-stay committees. Her passionate activism has ranged from 
organizing

[[Page E808]]

trips to welcoming exchange students into her home.
  Last fall, Ellie, along with volunteers from Scottsdale, helped 
mobilize relief efforts when Alamos, Mexico was struck by a devastating 
hurricane. She helped provide clothing, food, and relief funds to the 
residents of Alamos in their mission to rebuild their town.
  Ellie and her husband John have had the privilege of traveling all 
over the world in support of Sister Cities' programs, forming 
longstanding relationships along their way. Her incredible commitment 
has raised the bar for all of our citizens and has already inspired 
many to follow in her path.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ellie Ricker's 30 years 
of work and dedication to Scottsdale Sister Cities and the peoples' 
lives she has touched.

                          ____________________